KR20010030696A - Gprs-subscriber selection of multiple internet service providers - Google Patents

Abstract

A switching element (PLMN-SW) in a mobile radio communication system (PLMN) supporting a GPRS-network can be connected to a plurality of packet data communication networks (PDN1, PDN2, IN) of a terminal station (GPRS-MS) of a mobile radio communication network (PLMN). ) To one of the The selection of the packet data communication networks PDN1, PDN2, IN is based on the transmission of a specific network indication parameter (NIP) from the terminal station (GPRS-MS) of the mobile radio communication network (PLMN). The network indication parameter (NIP) is sent as a specific parameter in the serving (GPRS) support node (SGSN) in the PDP context activity procedure. Thus, many Internet service providers ISP1, ISP2, ISP3 can be connected to the GPRS network.

Description

GPRS-SUBSCRIBER SELECTION OF MULTIPLE INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS}

Standardization of the GSM General Packet Radio Service System (GPRS) is currently underway at the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). GPRS is a new GSM-service that provides real packet radio access to mobile GSM users. According to the GPRS system, the radio resources are reserved only when there is something to transmit (due to the packet nature of such a system), and these radio resources are shared by all mobile stations in the cell, efficiently I use it. GPRS supports a variety of applications such as telemetry, train control systems, interactive data access, charging systems, and Internet browsing with WorldWideWeb.

In contrast to the circuit switched nature of GSM networks, the operation of GPRS is suitable for connecting to standard data networks (using protocols such as TCP / IP, X.25 and CLNP). In contrast, conventional GSM networks were originally designed to provide only circuit switched voice sessions. Packet-orientated GPRS network infrastructure presents new functional components briefly described with reference to FIG.

It can be seen that there is still some cooperation between the current GSM service and the components of the new GPRS network. Resources may be denied at the physical layer, and there are some common signaling characteristics. In the same radio carrier, there may be time slots reserved for circuit switching and GPRS usage at the same time. Optimal resource utilization is achieved through dynamic sharing between circuit switched and GPRS channels. When establishing a circuit switched call, there is sufficient time to pre-empt the GPRS source for the circuit switched cell with the highest priority.

Dialogue on GSM Networks and GPRS Networks

1 is a schematic diagram of a conversation process of a GSM circuit switched feature and component of a GPRS packet switched system. GPRS support node GSN is a main component, which is connected to and interacts with various data networks, mobility management by GPRS registers, and delivery of data packets to mobile station GPRS-MS regardless of the location of data packets. delivery. Physically, the GSN may be integrated within the mobile switching center MSC of the PLMN (Public Continental Mobile Network). Optionally, the network may be separated according to the structure of the data network router. User data flows between the GSN and the base station subsystem (BSS), and signals are exchanged between the MSC and the GSN.

Thus, GPRS provides a bearer service to the GPRS MS from the boundary of the data network. The users of the bearer service are public network layer software packages (such as IP, OSI CLNP and X.25). In addition, GPRS-specific applications use GPRS services.

GPRS uses packet mode technology to transmit high speed and low speed data and signals in an efficient manner. GPRS utilizes network resources optimally, minimizing the load on the wireless system. The complete separation between the radio assistance system and the network assistance system allows the network assistance system to be reused with other radio access technologies. Such GPRS does not require changes to the installed MSC base.

New GPRS radio channels are defined, and the allocation of these channels is flexible, i.e., 1 to 8 air interface time slots are allocated per TDMA frame, and time slots are allocated separately by active users, uplink and downlink Is shared with. The air interface source can be dynamically shared between voice and data services as a service load and operator preference function. Various radio channel coding schemes are specified to have bit rates of 9 to 150 Kbyte / s per user. Raw data rates up to Kbyte / s can be obtained per user.

As mentioned above, applications according to standard data protocols are supported, and interworking is set to IP networks and X.25 networks. Point-to-point and point-to-multipoint services are supported for applications such as traffic telemetry and UIC train control. GPRS also transmits Short Message Service (SMS) over the GPRS radio channel.

GPRS is designed to support intermittent and bursty data transmissions, sometimes up to large data transfers. Four different quality of service levels (QOS) are supported (QOS is set during the POP-Contextual Activity procedure as described below). GPRS is designed for fast reservation (0.5 to 1 second) to initiate packet transmission. Charges are typically based on the amount of data transferred due to packet transmission characteristics.

Terminal station support GPRS

In GPRS, three different GPRS mobile station classes are supported. That is, a Class-A MS can operate GPRS and other GSM services simultaneously. Class-B MSs can monitor the control channels for GPRS and other GSH services simultaneously, but can only run one set of services at a time. Class-C GPRS MS may operate GPRS services exclusively.

Data packet transmission

In general, when the GPRS support node GSH is set in FIG. 1, one of the main problems of the GPRS network is the routing problem of data packets to / from the mobile station MS. This problem can be classified into two subproblems: data packet routing and mobility management.

Data packet routing to the mobile station MS is a problem in the GPRS network because the mobile station's data network address typically has a static routing mechanism, but the mobile station MS can roam from one network to another. . One approach to routing data packets in a mobile environment is to have a concept of mobile IP (C. Perkins (editor): "IP Mobility Support, draft ietf-mobileip-protoco1-11.txt", July 1995, Work in progress in the Internet Engineering Task Force).

Mobile IP is the routing of IP datagrams to a mobile host regardless of the attachment point of the sub-network. Another approach is taken in systems for cellular digital packet data (CDPD) where routing to the mobile host is processed internally by the network (CDPD Industry Input coordinator, "Cellular Digital Packet Data System Specification", Release 1.0, July 1993). .

The standard mobile IP concept is not suitable for GPRS environments because of the requirement that IP and other network protocols are also supported. Thus, for routing data packets, the architecture of the telecommunication network of FIG. 1 (including the universal GPRS node GSN) is constructed in a concept similar to the mobile IP concept as shown in FIG.

GPRS support node

In Figure 2, GPRS introduces two new network nodes in the GSM PLMN. That is, the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN), which is at the same level as the Mobile Switching Center (MSC), keeps track of the location of the individual mobile stations to perform security functions and access control. It is connected to a base station system with an SGSN frame relay. Thus, the main function of SGSN is to process the process of detecting a new GPRS MS in its service area, registering a new MS in the GPRS register, sending a received data packet to the GPRS MS, receiving the packet from it, and The location of the MS in the service area is recorded. The subscription information is stored in a GPRS register where the mapping between the mobile station identity (such as MS-ISDN or IMSI: International Mobile Station Identity) and the PSPDN address is stored. The GPRS register serves as a database where the SGSN can request that a new MS in its area join the GPRS network.

The gateway GSN (GGSN) provides an external packet switched network for interworking and is connected to SGSN via an IP based GPRS backone network (IP: Internet Protocol). The aforementioned GPRS register may be provided in the HLR which is enhanced with GPRS subscriber information. Optionally, MSC / VLR provides more efficient coordination of GPRS and non-GPRS services and functionality: for example circuit switching that can be performed more efficiently through SGSN and combined GPRS and non-GPRS location updates. It can be improved for paging for circuit switched calls.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2 (not related to here), it cooperates with the Short Message Service Gateway MSC SMS-GMC via the Short Message Service Interworking MSC (SMS-IWMSC) as well.

Moreover, SGSN implements authentication and ciphering features in accordance with the same algorithms, keys and criteria as in current GSM. GPRS uses an encryption algorithm that is optimized for packet data transmission.

GPRS access by mobile station

In order to access the GPRS service, the mobile station announces its presence to the network by executing a GPRS attach. This operation establishes a logical link between the mobile station and the SGSN, using the mobile station for notification of SMS through GPRS, pages through SGSN, and incoming GPRS data. In order to send and receive GPRS data, the mobile station activates the packet data address (PDN-address) it wishes to use. This operation causes the mobile station to be known to the corresponding GGSN, and interworking with an external data network can begin.

User data is transparently transmitted between the mobile station and the external data network according to a procedure known as encapsulation and tunneling (exchange of tunneling messages is part of the PDP-Context Action procedure). That is, the data packet is equipped with GPRS-specific protocol information and is transmitted between the mobile station and the GGSN. This transparent transmission method reduces the requirements for the GPRS PLMN, interpreting the internal data protocols, and can easily introduce additional interworking protocols in the future. User data can be compressed and detected with a retransmission protocol for efficiency and reliability.

Thus, a General Purpose Type (GSN) GPRS support node contains the functionality needed to support GPRS. As can be seen in FIG. 3 in one PLMN, there may be more than one GSN.

The Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) is a node that is accessed by a data network that is packed due to the evaluation of so-called PDP addresses. This address contains routing information for the attached GPRS user. This routing information is used to tunnel the protocol data unit (PDU) to the mobile station's current attachment point, that is, each serving GPRS support node (SGSN). The GGSN may request location information from the HLR via an optional Gc interface. The GGSN is the first PDN (Packet Data Network) interconnection point with the GSM PLMN and supports GPRS (ie, the Gi reference point is supported by the GGSN).

Intranetwork and internetwork connected to GPRS

Figure 1 shows a general architecture with GPRS functionality in a GSM system, while Figure 3 shows an additional network in the PLMN required as a GPRS backbone network.

Intra-PLMN backbone networks are Internet protocol networks that interconnect GSNs within the same PLMN. An inter-PLMN backbone network is an IP network that interconnects a GSN and an intra-PLMN backbone network within different PLMNs. All intra-PLMN backbone networks are dedicated IP networks intended only for GPRS data and GPRS signaling. Such a dedicated IP network is an IP network that applies some access control mechanism to obtain a certain level of security.

The intra-PLMN backbone network is connected to the inter-PLMN backbone network via a GP interface using a border gateway (BG). The inter-PLMN backbone network is chosen with a roaming agreement that includes BG security. BG is not defined within the scope of GPRS. The inter-PLMN backbone is a packet data network. For example, the intra-PLMN backbone network may be a corporate network and the packet data network may be the public internet or a dedicated line.

Finally, the HLR shown in FIG. 2 includes GPRS subscription data and routing information. This HLR is accessible from the SGSN via the Gr interface, and the HLR may be in a different PLMN than the current SGSN to which the mobile station is connected to in order to load the MS. So, in Figure 3, the HLR can be located in PLMN A or PLMN B.

Example of GPRS Communication

In Figures 1 to 3, the general structure of the GPRS system has been described, but Figure 4 shows an example of how routing of information can be performed in such a system. As shown in Figure 4, there are three different routing techniques in the GPRS mobile communication system, and three examples of possible applications for the present invention are as follows.

Ie -outgoing outgoing message (path P1)

Mobile incoming message (path P2) when mobile station (MS) is in its home network

-Mobile incoming message (path P3) when mobile station (MS) has ROM to other GPRS operator's network.

As in FIG. 3, and also in FIG. 4, the operator's GPRS network consists of multiple GSNs and intra-operator backbone networks. The intra-operator backbone network connects the support nodes of one operator using operator-specific network protocols that may be different for each operator. However, with the interworking capability, the GGSN can be connected to an inter-operator backbone network that connects the data network and GPRS networks of different operators using one standard protocol.

The main advantage of this proposed structure is its flexibility, measurability and interoperability. This approach allows each operator PLMN A, B to implement a separate backbone network using either protocol by communicating while other GPRS operators are implemented using only one common protocol. ETSI chooses IPV6 as the main backbone protocol in the future. IPV4 is chosen as the intermediate backbone protocol.

As shown in Fig. 4, in view of the data network, the GPRS network is similar to the secondary network in the data network. For example, on the Internet, GGSN acts like an IP router, behind which the entire GPRS network is hidden. The computer in the Internet network then finds GPRS as an IP secondary network that transmits messages as if the GPRS network is a fully standard Internet implementation. The routing mechanism in the data network is then the same as for the normal internet receiver.

According to a first example of data routing associated with path P1, shown in FIG. 4, a GPRS mobile station transmits a data packet, i.e., a packet data unit PDU of a public switched packet data network PSPDN. The PSPDN PDU data packet is sent over the air interface to the GPRS Serving Support Node SGSN serving the current GPRS mobile station MS using the LLC (Logical Link Control) protocol. GPRS Serving Support Node If the SGSN receives the data packet without error, it encapsulates the PSPDN PDU data packet with a GPRS backbone network data packet that is sent to the GPRS Gateway Support Node (SGSN) that coordinates traffic between the GPRS mobile station MS and the data network. . The GPRS gateway support node GGSN decapsulates the PSPDN PDU data packet and sends it to the appropriate data network.

As shown in Figure 4, a second example of an application of the present invention relates to a path P2 where a host of a data network sends a PSPDN PDU data packet to a GPRS mobile station MS located within a home GPRS network. Here, in comparison with the first example described above, the PSPDN PDU data packet is routed in the reverse direction using the routing mechanism of the data network until the PSPDN PDU data packet arrives at the GPRS gateway support node GGSN. At the GPRS gateway support node, the PSPDN address of the GPRS mobile station MS is extracted and the current location of the GPRS mobile station MS is mapped. Thereafter, routing of PSPDN PDU data packets in the home GPRS network is performed. Thus, the PSPDN PDU data packet is first encapsulated into the backbone network and sent to the GPRS Serving Support Node SGSN, which currently serves the GPRS mobile station MS.

The final example shown in Fig. 4 is almost the same as in Example 2. Here, the GPRS mobile station MS ROMs to another GPRS network, and the home GPRS network transmits the PSPDN PDU data packet to the visited GPRS network via the inter-operator backbone network. Thus, according to this example, the data packet is provided to the roaming GPRS mobile station MS, including the additional GPRS gateway support node GGSN. The visited GPRS network then routes the PSPDN PDU data packet to the appropriate GPRS serving support node as described in the second example.

Log-on Procedure for GPRS-MS

A typical log-on procedure for a GPRS mobile station MS wishing to transmit a data packet is shown in FIG. The main purpose of this log-on procedure is to send the PSPDN address of the GPRS mobile station MS to the GPRS network, report to the current location of the GPRS mobile station MS, and create an entry for the PSPDN address assigned in the routing table of the GPRS gateway support node GGSN. And initialize charging with a statistical procedure.

During the GPRS log-on procedure, the context (content or parameter set) of the logical link between the MS and SGSN is established as a carrier using a GSM stand-alone dedicated control channel (SDCCA). During context establishment, the GPRS mobile station is also authenticated and the cryptographic parameters are exchanged between the GPRS mobile station MS and the GPRS serving support node SGSN (this authentication / encryption procedure is performed with the PDP context activity described below respectively; see GSM 03.60 document). ).

The registration is then sent to the GPRS gateway support node where the location of the GPRS mobile station MS is updated. Here, the GPRS gateway support node GGSN notifies the previous GPRS serving support node SGSN to remove the GPRS mobile station MS from the previous register. If the GPRS log-on procedure is successful, the GPRS mobile station enters the standby state. Finally, the GPRS mobile station stops GPRS service by initiating a GPRS log-off procedure similar to the log-on procedure.

PDP-Contextual Activity Procedures

In PDP context activity, SGSN establishes a so-called PDP context that will be used for routing within the GPRS PLMN with the GGSN being used by the GPRS subscriber. Such PDP context activity procedure is shown in FIG.

Point-to-point (PTP) GPRS subscriptions include subscriptions of one or more PDP addresses (eg, within an HLR). Each PDP address is described in separate PDP contexts of mobile stations MS, SGSN and GGSN. Every PDP context is individually in one of two PDP states. The PDP status indicates whether the PDP address is activated for data transfer. All of the subscriber's PDP contexts are associated with the same MN context for this subscriber's IMSI.

Thus, the PDP context is referred to as Draft TS100 960 proposed V1.1.0 (GSM 09.60 proposed version 1.1.0) "Digital Cellular Telecommunication System (Phase 2+), published by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute ETSI in June 1997." General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), GPRS Tunneling Protocol (GTP) over Gn and Gp interfaces "is information set in the mobile station MS and GSN for the PDP address.

Upon receiving the Activity PDP Context Request message, SGSN initiates the procedure to set up the PDP context. Thus, a valid request initiates tunnel creation between a PDP context in SGSN and a PDP context in GGSN. That is, during or after the log-on procedure of FIG. 5 and after a successful PDP context activity procedure, the PDP context is matched between SGSN and GGSN (GPRS mobile station), which is used for packet data transmission. The list of PDP context information parameters is shown in Table 5 of the GSM 0360 proposed version 2.0.0 document (published by ETSI in May 1997).

The typical PDP context activity procedure of FIG. 6 consists of the following four steps S1, S2, S3, S4.

In step S1, the mobile station MS sends an active PDP context request (TLLI, QoS request, NSAPI) message to the SGSN. The mobile station MS indicates that it wishes to use a dynamic PDP address by selecting a NSAPI (Network Layer Service Access Point Identifier) that refers to a PDP context indicating a dynamic address of the preferred type.

In step S2, a security function is executed.

In step S3, SGSN checks whether NSAPI matches the PDP context of subscription data stored in SGSN during GPRS log-on (attach). If the mobile station MS requires a PDP context with a dynamic address, the SGSN causes the GGSN to assign it to a dynamic address (the GGSN used is the GGSN address stored in the PDP context or, if this field is empty, the appropriate GGSN selected by SGSN). The SGSN may limit the required QoS value, current load, and subscribed QoS level given its capabilities.

Therefore, in step S3 ', the SGSN sends the generated PDP context request (IMSI, PDP type, PDP address, QoS compromise, TID) message to the relevant GGSN. The PDP address is set to zero when requesting a dynamic address. GGSN creates a new entry in the PDP context table. The new entry allows GGSN to route PDP PDUs between SGSN and external PDP networks.

In step S3 '', the GGSN returns the generated PDP context response (TID, PDP address, BB protocol, cause) message to SGSN. The PDP address is included when a PDP address is assigned to the GGSN. The BB protocol indicates whether TCP or UDP is used to convey user data on the backbone network between SGSN and GGSN. The generated PDP context message is sent over the GPRS backbone network.

In step S4, the SGSN inserts the PDP address received from the GGSN into the PDP context. SGSN returns an active PDP context accept (TLLI, PDP type, PDP address, NSAPI, QoS negotiation, cause) message to the MS. After step S4, the SGSN may route the PDP PDU between the GGSN and the mobile station MS.

For each PDP address, different quality of service (QoS) may be required. For example, some PDP addresses may be associated with e-mail that can handle long response times. No other application can handle delays and demands, high levels of throughput, and interactive applications, for example. These different requirements are reflected in the QoS parameters. The QoS value is limited to GSM 02.60. If the QoS requirements are beyond the capabilities of the PLMN, the PLMN will negotiate with the QoS closest to the required QoS. The MS accepts a compromise QoS or disables the PDP context. After the SGSN successfully updates the GGSN, the PDP context associated with the MS is distributed as shown in the subclause " information storage " of GSM 03.60.

If the PDP context activity procedure is disabled or the activity PDP context accept cause parameter indicates a reject, the MS may attempt another activity on the same PDP address up to the maximum number of attempts.

While all GPRS mobile stations always execute the procedure of Figure 6, further details of the modified PDP context activity procedure are described above (generally describing other omissions used in parameters with the above techniques known to those skilled in the mobile communication). Can be taken from two ETSI documents.

The present invention relates to a method, a switching element, a telecommunications system and a terminal station, and more particularly, to a subscriber station selecting a predetermined network of a plurality of packet data networks (PDNs) connected to a gateway GPRS support node (GGSN). A general purpose packet radio service system (GPRS). Such a packet data network may be any kind of packet data network or Internet service providers (ISPs).

Figure 1 illustrates the basic concept of a general purpose packet radio service GPRS.

Figure 2 illustrates the basic interconnection of nodes and networks of the GPRS system of Figure 1;

Figure 3 illustrates the interconnection relationship of intra and inter-PLMN backbone networks connected to the nodes of the GPRS system of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 illustrates the possibility of packet transmission between a GPRS mobile station and a host when the mobile station requests transmission (P1), the host requests transmission (P2), and the mobile station is roaming to another GPRS operator's network (P3). .

5 shows a typical log-on procedure of a GPRS mobile station for a gateway GSN of the GPRS system shown in FIGS.

Figure 6 illustrates a conventional PDP context activity procedure to set PDP context parameters to establish a tunnel between a GPRS mobile station MS and a packet data network.

7 is a general schematic diagram of a number of networks (Internet service provider, enterprise network and X.25 PDN) connected to a GPRS system.

8 is a block diagram of a telecommunications system, switching element PLMN-SW and terminal station GPRS-MS in accordance with the present invention.

9 shows a method according to the invention for selecting a packet data communication network according to a network indication parameter sent from a PLMN terminal station.

Fig. 10 shows mapping of network indication parameters and authentication parameters for establishing an IP-communication tunnel between a GPRS-MS / host station and an Internet service provider ISP using a PDP type parameter.

Figure 11 shows a PDP context activity procedure for selecting a particular packet data communication network using PDP type parameters.

Figure 12 illustrates one embodiment of a network indication parameter NPI.

As discussed above, in Figures 1-4, Figures 5 and 6 are shown to transfer packet data from a GPRS mobile station MS to a packet data network that supports packet data protocols such as IP or X.25 (connected to GGSN). As described by reference, a log-on procedure or PDP context activity procedure needs to be executed. This action procedure is used to create a tunnel between the PDP context of SGSN and the PDP context of GGSN.

In fact, the PDP context can be represented as a set of parameters matched between SGSN and GGSN for packet transmission using a particular protocol. Typical parameters used for this set of parameters are typically MS-ID, QoS, NSAPI, TEPI and PDP address. In particular, the GPRS subscriber identified by IMSI may be one or more networks temporarily or permanently connected to IMSI according to standard addressing techniques, e.g. IP version 4 address, IP version 6 address or X.121 address, of each network layer service used. It may have a layer address, that is, a PDP address.

Active and inactive through the MN procedure described in sub-close "PDP Context Active and Inactive Functions" in the GSM 03.60 document.

Once the tunnel is established by the PDP context activity, packet data transmission can occur as described for examples 1,2,3 in FIG. It can be seen that the above configuration procedure needs to be executed in any telecommunication system using a packet radio service embedded in a conventional circuit switched PLMN environment.

As shown in Figure 7 (along with Figures 2 and 3), it is necessary to connect multiple Internet service provider ISPs to the GPRS network (i.e., its GGSN) to secure as many customers as possible. In Fig. 7, even an intra-PLNM backbone network connected to a GPRS network (or a GGSN node as shown in Fig. 3) is regarded as an Internet service provider ISP because both are connected to the GGSN in view of the interconnection relationship. Because technically there is no car.

As mentioned above, by the PDP context activity procedure, the current GPRS standard (GSM 03.60) enables GGSN nodes to be interconnected to multiple internal networks (ISPs). A subscriber may subscribe to one or more networks (typically in an HLR), for example, his corporate Internet (corporate network such as Ericsson's ERINET in FIG. 7) or packet data network (X.25 PDN in FIG. 7) and A subscription can be made to one or more Internet service providers (in Figure 7, local ISP, ISP1, ISP2). During the log-on and PDP context activity procedures, SGSN negotiates the PDP context for a particular network with the GGSN. However, at the time of service activity, the subscriber station (ie mobile station) does not have the possibility to flexibly instruct the GPRS network to which to connect a session among the subscribed IPSs.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method, switching element, telecommunications system and terminal station which allow a GPRS subscriber to more flexibly utilize a plurality of external networks connected to the GPRS.

This object is achieved by a data communication method between a first terminal station of a mobile wireless telecommunications network and a second terminal station of a packet data communication network, the method comprising:

Transmitting a network indication parameter indicating a predetermined packet data communication network from the first terminal station to a switching element of the mobile wireless telecommunications network to which a plurality of packet data communication networks are connected;

Selecting access means in the switching element for providing access to a packet data communication network instructed by the network indication parameter;

Activating the selected access means to access a switching element of the indicated packet data communication network.

This object is also achieved by a switching element that provides data communication between a first terminal station of a mobile wireless telecommunications network and a second terminal station of one of a plurality of packet data communication networks connected thereto. Switching element,

Receiving means for receiving a network indication parameter indicating a predetermined packet data communication network from the first terminal station;

Each of a number of access means for providing access to one of said connected packet data communication networks,

Selecting means for selecting an access means according to the received network indication parameter;

Control means for activating said selected access means to access a switching element of said directed packet data communication network.

This object is also achieved by a telecommunications system for providing packet data communication between a first terminal station and a second terminal station, wherein the telecommunications system comprises:

At least one mobile wireless communications network to which the first terminal station is connected;

The second terminal station includes a plurality of packet data communication networks connected to one of the packet data communication networks,

The communication network connected to the switching element,

Receiving means for receiving a network indication parameter indicating a predetermined packet data communication network from the first terminal station via the mobile wireless communication network;

Each of a number of access means for providing respective access to one of said connected packet data communication networks,

Selecting means for selecting an access means according to the received network indication parameter;

Control means for activating said selected access means to access a switching element of said directed packet data communication network.

This object is achieved by a terminal station of a mobile wireless telecommunications network for packet data communication to a predetermined terminal station of a packet data communication network, the terminal station comprising:

Network indication parameter memory means for storing a plurality of network indication parameters respectively corresponding to a packet data communication network connected to said mobile wireless telecommunication network via a switching element;

Selection means for selecting a network indication parameter from the memory means for indicating a packet data communication network in which the terminal station can transmit and receive packet data;

Network requesting means for transmitting the selected network indication parameter to the switching element to request connection to a packet data communication system instructed by the network indication parameter.

According to the present invention, the network indication parameter is preferably sent to the SGSN indicating the preferred network during the PDP context activity procedure. The network indication parameter may be a PDP type compromised in the PDP context in the PDP context action procedure. Thus, while the GPRS subscriber station typically restricts the GPRS subscriber station to rely on SGSN to negotiate an appropriate network in accordance with the present invention, any desired network may be pre-designated during PDP context activity or log-on procedures.

Other preferred embodiments and improvements of the invention are taken from the appended claims. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements or steps.

8 is a general schematic diagram of a telecommunications system in accordance with the present invention. 8 includes all of the interconnections and elements shown in FIGS. Thus, all the descriptions made above for such interconnect relationships and elements apply equally to the interconnect relationships and elements of FIG.

For the purposes of the present invention, a mobile switching center / visitor location register MSC / VLR, a serving GPRS support node SGSN serving as an access means and a gateway GPRS support node GGSN (GGSN1, GGSN2 ...) as well as a mobile wireless communications network PLMN (e.g. For example, the home position registers HLR / SP of PLMN A, PLMN B of FIG. 3 form a universal switching element PLMN-SW for a mobile wireless communication network supporting a GPRS system. In addition, as described in FIG. 1, the GPRS support node GSN may be located in the same PLMN or different PLMNs.

As described with reference to Figs. 2 and 7, each GGSN is provided which is connected to each packet data communication network, i.e., Internet IN, corporate network PDN2 (intra-network such as ERINET) or X.25 PDN network PDN1. Interconnection between each access means (ie, GGSN) via a tunnel or a link is made to each switching element PDN-SW of each packet data communication network PDN1, PDN2, IN.

As illustrated in Fig. 8, the connection between the PLMN supporting GPRS and the Internet IN may be made through the Internet service providers ISP1, ISP2, ISP3, each of which includes each switching element PDN-SW. Thus, according to the present invention, multiple packet data communication networks supporting packet data transmission can be connected to the PLMN supporting GPRS via the switching element PLMN-SW, in particular through the access means GGSN / AS.

GPRS subscriber selection of multiple packet data communication networks is applicable to mobile wireless communication networks supporting GPRS, and has a connection relationship to many packet data communication networks (Internet service provider / packet data communication network). As shown in Figure 8, the PLMN-enabled GPRS is connected to many Internet service provider ISPs (e.g., using IP tunnel IP-TUN) via Internet IN or dedicated connections P1, P2.

The technical realization of an interface, in fact an interconnected packet data communication network, differs at the point of interconnection regarding the need for packet data transmission, but the PLMN's external network is either an IP (Internet Protocol) based Internet Service Provider (ISP) or It is not different for the IP-based enterprise network PDN2 or the X.25 underlying packet data network PDN1. For example, the interconnection point (interface) Gi for the IP based packet data communication network PDN1 is the access server AS in the gateway GPRS support node GGSN (in each access means of the switching element PLMN-SW). Thus, in Fig. 8, some kind of packet data communication network can be interconnected to each GGSN as long as it supports packet data protocol PDP, for example IP or X.25.

Further, as described in FIG. 8, even the Internet service providers ISP1, ISP2 can be regarded as packet data communication networks including each switching element PDN-SW. A plurality of terminal stations PTEs are connected to each packet data communication network PDN1, PDN2, IN. On the other hand, the terminal station GPRS-MS of the PLMN support GPRS generally communicates with the serving GPRS support node SGSN of the switching element PLMN-SW, as shown in Figs. Such a terminal station GPRS-MS may be a mobile station of a PLMN supporting GPRS, for example class A, B, C mobile stations (see FIG. 2), or any other user application that supports packet data transmission according to IP.

Although FIG. 8 shows only one PLMN supported GPRS, from FIG. 3, each of the plurality of PLMNs (PLMN A, PLMN B) including switching elements similar to the switching elements PLMN-SW with SGSN and GGSN are different intra-nets. Or may be provided with a packet data network or an interconnect network. Thus, the configuration of FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 3 in which a plurality of packet data communication networks (each including each switching element PDN-SW) are connected to the switching element PLMN-SW of the PLMN supporting GPRS. When intra-network PDN2 or additional packet data network PDN1 is provided, the communication link is provided via separate connections P1, P2, but the interconnection to the Internet service provider ISP is via the Internet protocol tunnel IP-TUN.

The wireless mobile communication system PLMN is preferably a GSM based wireless communication system network, such as a D1 or D2 network including a universal packet wireless service GPRS system, wherein the packet data transmission systems PDN1, PDN2, IN are corporate Internet PDN2, X.25 networks. PDN1, Internet Protocol Basic Network IN and / or General Packet Radio Service GPRS Basic Network.

Network indication parameter NIP

As shown in Fig. 8, the terminal station GPRS-MS of the mobile wireless telecommunication system PLMN has a plurality of network indication parameters respectively corresponding to a packet data communication network connectable to the mobile wireless telecommunication network via a switching element PLMN-SW. Network indication parameter memory means NIP-MEM for storing the NIP.

Selection means SEL for selecting a network indication parameter NIP from the memory means NIP-MEM is provided in the terminal station GPRS-MS indicating the packet data communication network that the terminal station wants to transmit and receive packet data. The network requesting means NRM of the terminal station GPRS-MS transmits the selected network indication parameter NIP to the switching element PLMN-SW to request a connection to a packet data communication system instructed by the network indication parameter NIP.

In addition to the elements already described in FIGS. 1 to 4, the switching element PLMN-SW is a receiving means for receiving a network indication parameter NIP indicating a predetermined packet data communication network from the (first) terminal station GPRS-MS of the PLMN. Includes NIP-RC. The SGSN in communication with the terminal station GPRS-MS comprises a selection means SEL for selecting an access means GGSN / AS according to the received network indication parameter NIP. As described above, each GGSN communicates with the connected packet data. It serves as an access means for providing access to one of the networks PDN1, PDN2, IN. Within each access means, control means for activating the access means for accessing the switching element PDN-SW of the indicated packet data communication network, that is, establishing a connection with each (second) terminal station PTE of the preferred packet data communication network. There is AC.

For example, the subscription memory means HLR provided in the home location register HLR stores a subscription parameter SP indicative of subscription of the terminal station GPRS-MS in the predetermined packet data communication network. The subscription checking means SCM provided in the SGSN compares the received network indication parameter NIP with the subscription parameter SP stored in the subscription memory means HLR. The control means AC activates only the selected access means AC to provide access to the desired switching element PDN-SW of each packet data communication network, wherein the received network indication parameter NIP from the terminal station GPRS-MS. Matches one of the subscription parameters in the subscription memory means HLR.

Obviously, when each terminal station has access right to all possible packet data communication networks, the subscription checking means SCM and subscription memory means HLR do not necessarily have to be provided because the switching element PLMN This is because the SW always provides a packet data communication network indicated by the transmitted network indication parameter, respectively.

Selection of Packet Data Networks

9 shows a data communication method between the (first) terminal station GPRS-MS of the mobile wireless communication network PLMN and the (second) terminal station PTE of the packet data communication networks PDN1, PDN2, and IN.

In Fig. 9, the PLMN terminal station (mobile station GPRS-MS) or any end user application program selects the network indication parameter NIP from the memory means NIP-MEM. Preferably, the network indication parameter NIP not only indicates the preferred packet data communication network but also indicates the session type, and the terminal station performs with the second terminal station PTE of the packet data communication network. For example, the network indication parameter NIP may indicate intra-network (corporate network) PDN2, ie NIP = ERINET for DELTA access, and the network indication parameter NIP may also indicate AoL for an email session. have. All such network indication parameters can be realized via PDP-type parameters as further described below (details of the PDP-type context are described above and are referenced in GSM 03.60 proposed version 2.0.0 by ETSI). .

When the preferred network indication parameter (communication type) NIP is selected from the network indication parameter memory means NIP-MEM, the network requesting means NRM transfers from the NIP of step ST1 to the switching element PLMN-SW, preferably to SGSN. If the first terminal station GPRS-MS does not automatically have access to all packet data communication networks, the SGSN checks whether the indicated network, i.e. the selected packet data communication network, is subscribed. Thus, the subscription checking means SCM compares the received network indication parameter NIP with the subscription parameter SP stored in the subscription memory means HLR.

In step ST2, a rejection indication may be sent to the first terminal station if no valid subscription parameter SP is found in the subscription memory means HLR corresponding to the received network indication parameter NIP. Such a blocking procedure using PDP-type parameters can be established via the PDP-blocking procedure as described, for example, in GSM 03.60 proposed version 2.0.0.

If the terminal station GPRS-MS has a valid subscription to the packet data communication network instructed by the network indication parameter NIP, in step ST3, the selecting means SEL selects the appropriate GGSN to which the preferred packet data communication network is connected. That is, SGSN selects the address for the appropriate GGSN in step ST3. The control means AC (access means) in the selected GGSN selects the appropriate access server AS for making a connection to the preferred switching element PDN-SW of the packet data communication network. When the appropriate access server included in the GGSN is selected and activated, the GGSN establishes a connection to the switching element PDN-SW (e.g., an Internet service provider IPS) in step ST4. For example, GGSN uses RADIUS on ISP1. Thereafter, the ISP or each switching element PDN-SW of the packet data communication network establishes a connection to the preferred packet terminal station PTE in step ST5. Before communication between the PLMN terminal station and the PDN terminal station PTE takes place, an acknowledgment message may be returned as shown in step ST6.

Using the selection and transmission of specific parameters NIP indicating the preferred packet data communication network, any one of the packet data communication networks PDN1, PDN2, IN (or provider ISP3, ISP2, ISP1, respectively) is the two terminal stations GPRS-MS. It may be selected for packet data communication between the PTEs. Therefore, since the subscriber station has a possibility of instructing the GPRS network to which the session is to be connected among the subscribed IPSs, many IPSs can be connected to the GPRS-GSM network.

As noted, any kind of network indication parameter NIP may be selected and sent to the switching element PLMN-SW of the PLMN support GPRS. Preferably, the terminal station GRPS-MS selects a particular ISP or a specific packet data communication network using already existing parameters (ie standard and matching parameters, ie the "PDP-type" parameters described above). The use of PDP-context and PDP-type is described in GSM 03.60 proposed version 2.0.0.

That is, in the present invention, each network operator has a possibility of mapping one ISP to one "PDP-type" parameter, and instructs an ISP or packet data communication network to which a specific terminal station GPRS-MS can connect. The "PDP-type" parameter can be used to distinguish up to 64,000 ISPs (i.e. 64,000 different types of packet data communication networks). The “PDP-type” parameter may be communicated with the switching element PLMN-SW during the PDP-Context Action procedure as described below with reference to FIG. 11 (see FIG. 6).

Registering a New Subscription Request

Furthermore, the terminal station GPRS-MS includes a requesting means for requesting the switching element PLMN-SW of the PLMN to request a subscription (access right parameter) to a new packet data communication network supported by the PLMN / GPRS system. MS does not have previous access rights Upon receiving such an access request from the terminal station GPRS-MS, the SGSN can perform a registration routine to register the access right (subscription) with the indicated network of the subscription memory means HLR. Subsequently, charging of the packet data communication network may be executed through SGSN or GGSN responsible for the indicated packet data communication network.

Optionally, whenever the subscription checking means SCM receives the network indication parameter NIP for which no registration is retrieved from the subscription memory means HLR, the subscription checking means not only executes the blocking procedure as in step ST2 of FIG. The checking means SCM can execute a registration procedure for registering a new subscription parameter in the subscription memory means HLR. In the registration procedure, the subscription checking means inquires whether the GPRS-MS wants to subscribe to the packet data communication network indicated by the network indication parameter NIP, and if desired, a new registration is valid in the subscription memory means HLR. It is recorded as a parameter. During the registration procedure, the network operator of the other service, i.e., the instructed packet data communication network, may execute the transmission of specific advertisements, specific charges or other information which the user wishes to transmit to the new terminal station GPRS-MS. In this case, SGSN and GGSN already carry out communication to transmit the information from the switching element PDN-SW of the packet data communication network to the GPRS-MS.

Although the foregoing description has generally been made for any packet data communication network, the following describes an embodiment of the present invention for a particular case of Internet service provider ISP / packet data network PDN selection, where the PDP-type parameter is a network indication parameter. Used as NIP.

ISP / PDN selection using PDP-type parameters

As shown in Fig. 10, certain requirements are satisfied with the terminal station GPRS / MS (or host station), the switching elements PLMN-SW, and the ISP / PDN, so that the terminal station GPRS-MS is connected to the ISP (i.e. Its switching elements PDN-SW).

1. As already described in detail, the GPRS / MS-Host terminal station may establish a valid subscription for at least one PDP-type provided by the PLMN switching element (operator) in the home position register HLR (ie, subscription parameter memory means). Have That is, the subscriber station SIM card needs to be valid for each packet data communication network.

2. For an Internet Protocol (IP) Basic Data Communication Network (ISP), a terminal station (GPRS-MS or host) is assigned a DHCP authentication token (and preferably an encryption key) provided by a Packet Data Communication Network (ISP). ). That is, in addition to the effective network identification parameter (SP) in the HLR, the terminal station GPRS-MS preferably transmits an authentication parameter such as a DHCP authentication token (and preferably an encryption key) of the preferred packet data communication network ISP1 (Internet IN). Identification means ID transmitted to the switching element PDN-SW. This allows GPRS-MS to establish an appropriate communication protocol for a DHCP-server / RADIUS server (DHCP = Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) in the network.

Only when identification verification means ID-VAL of the switching element PDN-SW determines a match between the received identification parameter and one of a plurality of identification parameters stored in the identification memory means ID-MEM provided in the switching element PDN-SW. Link setting means TUN-LK establishes a communication link (or communication tunnel IP-TUN).

3. The GPRS-MS host responds to the DHCP authentication token and preferably stores the relationship between the PDP type and the preferred ISP as well as the DHCP server identity (of the DHCP-server of the switching element PDN-SW of the preferred packet data network). The information is available at the DHCP-server / RADIUS server (access means of each packet data network) for key resolution. Thus, the PDN-SW also includes a DHCP-user identification and DHCP authentication token as described in FIG.

Preferably, for the IP-based packet data communication network ISP, each access means (DHCP server) of the switching element PDN-SW will be updated with the International Mobile Station Identity (IMSI) as a mobile station / host (terminal station) identification option. Can be. That is, when the terminal station is a mobile station supporting GPRS (such as class A, B, C mobile stations), the access server (DHCP server) of the packet data network switching element PDN-SW always receives the current international mobile station identity.

4. PLMN Switching Device The PLMN-SW (only for Internet protocol based ISPs) needs to establish a communication link or tunnel to the ISP via the ISP's firewall for RADIUS information. IP tunnel formation by the communication link establishment means TUN-LK is carried out through the exchange of tunnel management messages, ie the PDP-Context procedure referred to as draft TS100960 proposed V1.1.0 by ETSI.

5. All switching units and routing elements of the IP-tunnel (path) between the GPRS-MS / host and the access means (DHCP-server of the ISP) support multicast (only for IP-based ISPs). Send a DHCP broadcast message.

That is, these features 1 to 5, on the one hand, have a packet data communication system (ISP) connected to the GPRS-MS via a communication link, and on the other hand the identification parameters (DHCP-id and ISP-id and DHCP-authentication tokens) are switched. Determines who can configure the protocol dynamically with the host if it matches the one provided by the device PDN-SW (DHCP-server).

Thus, the GPRS-MS host provides a relationship between the preferred ISP and PDP-type parameters as well as the DHCP authentication token and preferably the DHCP server identity. The HLR provides a mapping of IMSI-PDP-type parameters and GGSN / AS / (ISP) -id, i.e. selection of the appropriate GGSN and access server AS corresponding to the desired packet data network. GGSN provides a mapping of IMSI / PDP-type parameters to the access server AS / ISP data. Finally, the DHCP server stores the DHCP-customer identity and the DHCP authentication token to establish mutually aware protocols of GPRS / MS / hosts and selected switching elements PDN-SW, and to set up the protocols configured appropriately for communication therebetween.

Selection of Access Server Using PDP-type Context Activity

The difference between the typical circuit switched access to the ISP / PDN in the PDP context activity in the SGSN and the selection of the access server according to the PDP-type parameters becomes apparent especially when considering FIG.

First, in a typical circuit switched access to an ISP / PDN, the terminal station is known to have the possibility of selecting the preferred ISP (Internet Service Provider) and access server, typically by the party number called. Different ISPs have different access numbers so that different access servers such as COMPUSERVE, T-DNLINE, etc. can be selected by the terminal station by simply dialing the appropriate number. Even in the circuit switched GSM Internet access function, the selection of a suitable access server is carried out via the transmission of a properly called party number (CPN).

According to the present invention, the selection of the access server of the PLMN-SW (ie, the appropriate access server of the GGSN) is based on PDP-type parameters in PDP-Context activity in the SGSN as already described extensively in FIG. FIG. 11 can be seen as an extension of the conventional PDP-contextual activity procedure shown in FIG. 6 known from the GSM TS100960 Proposed 1.1.0 and GSM 03.60 Proposed Version 2.0.0 documents cited above. Thus, the procedure of FIG. 11 can be seen in the context of the general purpose PDP context activity procedure of FIG.

In step S11, the active PDP context request message is sent from the first terminal station (Host / GPRS-MS) to the serving GPRS support node SGSN. Step S11 corresponds to step S1 of FIG. 6, but includes different parameter lists as shown in FIG. Apart from other parameters typically required for PDP context requests in step S1 of FIG. 6, the active PDP context request message in step S11 of FIG. 11 is a network indication parameter NIP, i. Contains parameters. In square brackets <->, the selection means SEL of the terminal station GPRS-MS inserts the network instruction selected from the network instruction memory NRM. Thus, <-> represents "X.25 PDN, ERINET, ISP1, ISP2, ISP3", and all network identification parameters, for example, PDP-type (X.25 AS), are X.25 PDN networks or X.25. Represents a request setting for an access server on a network. Preferably, the PDP context request usually includes the parameters MS-ID (mobile station identity), QoS (service of required quality) and NSAPI (network layer service access point identifier). Step S12 corresponds to step S2 of FIG.

In step S11 ', the SGSN derives the appropriate GGSN address of the GGSN serving the preferred packet data network (see for example FIG. 2). Of course, before proceeding to step S11 ', SGSN checks the NIP for subscription in the HLR. There are two possibilities as to whether the SGSN infers the GGSN address in step S11 '. Stored GGSN addresses are used, or GGSN addresses derived from PDP-type (and AS) are used. After step S11 ', SGSN knows to which GGSN it should send the generated PDP context request of step S31.

Apart from the usual MS-ID and neg.QoS (services of compromise quality matched between the first terminal station and SGSN), the enhanced production PDP context request includes the parameter "TEPI PDP-type (<-> AS)". . This includes the terminal point identifier TEPI indicating the identification of the access point of the terminal station TE (GPRS-MS).

In step S31 ', the GGSN receiving the generated PDP context request message maps the PDP-type to the access server AS identity. In other words, the GGSN needs to be activated due to the contents of the PDP-type parameters, for example the access server AS dedicated to the X.25 PDN. The GGSN is the last connection point of the PLMN supporting GPRS, and establishes a connection to the second terminal station (terminal station PTE connected with the ISP / PDN switching element PDN-SW). Thus, in step S31 ', the GPRS tunneling protocol GTP is set to form a path or IP tunnel by the communication link setting means provided in the GGSN (see IP-tunnel in Fig. 10). At the end of step S31 ', the PDP context is activated.

Thus, in step S31 ', the generated PDP context response is sent from the GGSN to the SGSN. The generated PDP context response includes the TEB of the BB protocol and the terminal station PTE, apart from the parameters in step S31. In step S31 '' ', the GPRS tunneling protocol GTP is set, the logical link control LLC is set in the ABM mode, and the PDP context is activated.

In step S41, the active PDP context accept message is sent from the SGSN to the first terminal station. Since SGSN knows that the first terminal station has sent the active PDP context request message in step S11, in step S41 the active PDP context accept message does not contain TEPI information. This includes the MS-ID, required QoS, compromised QoS, and network identification parameters PDP-type (<-> AS).

The situation after step S41 corresponds to the acknowledgment message of step ST6 of FIG. 9 in the PLMN-terminal station. As described with reference to Fig. 9 above, after step S41, a preferred packet data network or Internet service provider is selected, and a bearer service is set up because a protocol and a suitable server are selected.

In step S41 ', the logical link control LLC is set in the ABM mode. Even if the host / GPRS-MS does not have an IP address, an Internet Protocol (IP) bearer is established between the host / GPRS-MS and the selected access server AS. Now, in the GGSN relaying the packet to the appropriate switching element PDN-SW of the packet data network or Internet server provider, the DHCP IP packet can be transmitted from the GPRS-MS / host to the desired access server AS via the GPRS bearer.

Of course, the PDP context activity procedure of FIG. 11 can be applied to the establishment of communication links P1, P2, and P3 in general, as well as to the establishment of IP tunnels for Internet service providers (see FIGS. 4, 8 and 10).

Example of PDP-type Parameters

As shown in Fig. 12, the PDP type parameter is preferably a 16-bit parameter whose interpretation is as follows.

0 IP, the default interworking network (e.g., inter-PLMN backbone network shown in Figures 3 and 4),

1 X.25, default interworking network

2-99 Reservations interpreted as "IP, default interworking network" by versions of these protocols,

100-12000 PLMN specific interworking network,

12001-64K reserved for future use,

Of course, other interpretations of the 16-bit PDP parameters can be done and the above definitions only apply to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. PDP type parameters may also have a length different from 16-bit. In FIG. 12A, the X.25 default interworking network is specified in a PDP-type parameter.

Choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP)

As mentioned above, in the usual case of circuit switched access, the selection of an ISP (Internet Service Provider) is made by the access server and is based on the user identity (user-id) received as an identification parameter with DHCP authentication. Thus, the identification parameter represents the domain name of the ISP. For example, DHCP authentication can typically be, for example, www.ericsson.se. The latter part of such DHCP authentication represents the ISP's domain name, here "ericsson.se". Typically, the access server AS checks the ISP domain name along with the RADIUS configuration data to determine the ISP tunnel (ie, communication link).

As described above with reference to Fig. 11, according to the present invention, the selection of the ISP of the GPRS environment is made differently. In addition, as shown in Fig. 12, for the " PLMN specific interworking network ", the network indication parameter, that is, the PDP-type parameter, includes a first indication field including two sub-fields, an " access server identity " May be interpreted as consisting of a second indication field containing " Internet Service Provider Identity ".

As mentioned above, certain subscription parameters (data) are stored in subscription parameter memory HLR. Thus, accessibility to a particular GPRS-MS may be limited to only sub-number of possible ISPs. Preferably, the HLR subscription data is set by the switching element PLMN-SW to form a closed user group for the corporate local area network (LAN), thereby limiting the access of external terminal stations to access the corporate LAN. That is, a large load on the RADIUS server of a particular company's packet data network is prevented.

Each PLMN switching element (operator) has a PDP type parameter whose Internet service provider ISP, for example (see Fig. 12a), i.e. "100 = AoL", "101 = COMPUSERVE", "102 = ERINET", "103 = T -ONLINE "and so on.

Thus, while the PDP-type parameters contain the same indication or identity to the preferred access server, the final connection to the preferred packet data communication network is only made when the ISP identity matches that contained in the HLR subscription data. Thus, by using two separate fields in the PDP-type parameter, a two-stage group of terminal stations is achieved.

As mentioned above, by using already existing (i.e., standardized and set) parameters, i.e., PDP-type parameters, the terminal station of the PLMN supporting GPRS selects a particular ISP. Each network operator has the possibility of mapping one ISP to one "PDP-type parameter" and can indicate to which ISP the terminal station can connect. Using 16-bit PDP-type parameters, up to 64000 ISPs can be connected. Thus, many ISPs (Internet Service Providers) can be connected to a GPRS network which makes the Internet Service Provider for the GPRS network more flexible to use.

Modified PDP parameters to use multiple networks in parallel

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the PDP-type parameter may also be modified such that the terminal station GPRS may simultaneously request access to two or more packet data communication network PDN1. In this case, the PDP-type parameter includes two entries, respectively, as defined in FIG. Thereafter, the SGSN selects two or more appropriate GGSNs, and two communication links can be established at the same time. Due to the packet nature of the PLMN supporting the GPRS system, the end station GPRS-MS can simultaneously communicate with the two end station PTEs of the two separate packet data communication networks required through the transmission of certain two-stage PDP-type parameters. have.

As mentioned above, the method, the switching element, the telecommunications system and the terminal station according to the invention allow a user of a PLMN network supporting GPRS features to connect to any desired packet data network, i.e. a number of different Internet service providers, Use a corporate network, etc. The present invention can be applied to any PLMN-system support feature of packet radio service, and is not particularly limited to use within GSM-system support GPRS according to the current ETSI standard.

Moreover, the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described herein, and those skilled in the art can make modifications and variations of the present invention within the scope of the appended claims. In these claims, reference numerals are for clarity only and do not limit the scope of the claims.

Claims (39)

In a data communication method between a first terminal station (TE, MT; GPRS-MS) of a mobile wireless telecommunication network (PLMN) and a second terminal station (PTE) of a packet data communication network (PDN1, PDN2, IN) , A network indication parameter (NIP, PDP-type (<-> AS)) indicating a predetermined packet data communication network (PDN1, PDN2, IN) is assigned to a plurality of packet data communication networks (PDN1, PDN2, Transmitting to the switching elements GSN, SGSN, GGSN, PLMN-SW of the mobile wireless telecommunication network PLMN to which IN is connected (NRM, SEL, ST1, S11), Selecting access means GGSN / AS in the switching element PLMN-SW that provides access to the packet data communication network indicated by the network indication parameter NIP (SEL, ST3, S11 ', S31). ) And, Activating the selected access means AS to access the switching elements PLMN-SW of the indicated packet data communication networks PDN1, PDN2, IN (AC, ST4, S31 '). Data communication method. The method of claim 1, After receiving the network indication parameter (NIP), the network indication parameter (NIP) is compared with the subscription parameter (SP) stored in the subscription memory means (HLR) (SGSN, SCM, ST3), and the access means (GGSN / The selection and activation of an AS) is performed only when the received network indication parameter (NIP) matches the subscription parameter (SP) of the subscription memory means (HLR). The method of claim 1, After the access means AS is activated, the communication links P1, P2, P3, IP-TUN between the first and second terminal stations GPRS-MS, PTE are established in the mobile wireless telecommunication network PLMN. Set by the communication link setting means TUN-LK via the switching element PLMN-SW and the switching element PDN-SW of the selected packet data communication network PDN (ST4, ST5, S31 '). Data communication method, characterized in that. The method of claim 3, The first terminal station (GPRS-MS) of the mobile radio communication system (PLMN) transmits an identification parameter (DHCP-id) to the switching element (PDN-SW) of the packet data communication system (PDN1, PDN2, IN). The communication link establishing means TUN-LK transmits the verification means ID-VAL provided in the switching element PDN-SW of the packet data communication network IN to the received identification parameter DHCP-id. ) And one of a plurality of identification parameters (DHCP-id) stored in identification memory means (ID-MEM) provided in said switching means (PDN-SW). The method of claim 4, wherein The communication link TUN-LK accesses the switching element PLMN-SW of the mobile radio communication system PLMN and the switching element PDN-SW of the packet data communication systems PDN1, PDN2, and IN. A data communication method set up between said two terminal stations by means (DHCP-SERV). The method of claim 1, The network identification parameter (NIP) indicates a data communication type (e-mail, DELTA). The method of claim 1, The PLMN is a GSM-based wireless communication network, such as a D1 or D2 network including General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), and the packet data communication network (PDN1, PDN2, IN) is a company intranet (PDN2). ), An X.25 network (PDN1), an Internet Basic Network (IN), and a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) based network. The method according to claim 1 or 7, The network indication parameter (NIP) is a PDP context activation procedure (S11, S12, S11 ', S31, S31', S31 '', S31 '' ', S41, S41'; S1, S2, S3 ', S3' ', And S4) is a PDP-type parameter transmitted to said switching element (PLMN-SW) of said mobile radio communications network (PLMN) when performed in said GPRS system. The method according to claim 5 or 7, The switching element PDN-SW of the packet data communication system IN is an Internet service provider ISP1, ISP2, and the access means DHCP-SERV is a DHCP-server of the Internet service provider ISP1, ISP2. The data communication method characterized by the above-mentioned. The method according to claim 4 or 9, The identification parameter (DHCP-id) is transmitted to the DHCP-server (DHCP-SERV) of the Internet service providers (ISP1, ISP2). A first terminal station (TE, MT, GPRS-MS) of a mobile wireless telecommunication network (PLMN) and a second terminal station (PTE) of one of a plurality of packet data communication networks (PDN1, PDN2, IN) connected thereto. In the switching elements (GSN, SGSN, GGGSN, PLMN-SW) providing data communication between Receiving means (NIP-RC) for receiving network indication parameters (NIP, PDP-type (<-> AS)) indicating the predetermined packet data communication networks (PDN1, PDN2, IN) from the first terminal station; A plurality of access means (GGSN / AS) each providing access to one of said connected packet data communication networks (PDN1, PDN2, IN), Selection means (SEL) for selecting an access means (GGSN / AS) according to the received network indication parameter (NIP), And control means (AC) for activating said selected access means (AS) to access the switching elements (PDN-SW) of said directed packet data communication network (PDN1, PDN2, IN). The method of claim 11, Subscription memory means (HLR) for storing subscription parameters (SP) indicating subscription of the terminal stations (GPRS-MS, PTE) in the predetermined packet data communication networks (PDN1, PDN2, IN); Subscription checking means (SCM, SGSN) for comparing the subscription parameter (SP) stored in the subscription memory means (HLR) with the received network indication parameter (NIP), The control means (AC) activates the selected access means (AS) only when the received parameter (NIP) matches one of the parameters (SP) in the subscription memory means (HLR). The method of claim 11, A communication link between the first and second terminal stations via the switching element (PDN-SW) of the mobile wireless telecommunication network (PLMN) and the selected packet data communication network (PDN1, PDN2, IN). And a communication link setting means (TUN-LIN) for setting P3, IP-TUN). The method of claim 13, The communication link establishing means TUN-LK transmits verification means ID-VAL provided in the switching means PDN-SW of the packet data communication network IN from the first terminal station GPRS-MS. Communication link only when determining a match between the identified identification parameter (DHCP-id) and one of a plurality of identification parameters (DHCP-id) stored in the identification memory means (ID-MEM) provided in the switching means (PDN-SW). Switching element, characterized in that for setting. The method of claim 14, The communication link setting means includes an access means (DHCP-SERV) of the switching element (PLMN-SW) of the mobile radio communication system (PLMN) and the switching element (DHCP-SERV) of the selected packet data communication system (IN). Switching element, characterized in that for establishing the communication link (IP-TUN) between the two terminal stations through. The method of claim 11, And the network identification parameter (NIP) indicates a data communication type (e-mail, DELTA). The method of claim 11, The PLMN is a GSM-based wireless communication network, such as a D1 or D2 network including General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), and the packet data communication network (PDN1, PDN2, IN) is a company intranet (PDN2). ), An X.25 network (PDN1), an Internet Basic Network (IN), and a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) based network. The method of claim 11 or 12, The receiving means (NIP-RC) and the selecting means (SEL) are provided to a serving GPRS support node (SGSN) of a universal packet radio service (GPRS) system serving the first terminal station, and the access means (AS). Is a gateway GPRS support node (GGSN) connected to the serving GPRS support node (SGSN) and the selected packet data communication network (IN), wherein the selection means (SEL) is a gateway GPRS connected to the dedicated packet data communication network. Select the support node (GGSN), The subscription memory means (HLR) is a home location register (HLR) of the mobile wireless communication system, the subscription checking means (SCM, SGSN) are provided in the serving GPRS support node (SGSN) and the access means (AS). Is an access server (AS) provided in said gateway GPRS support node (GGSN). The method of claim 11 or 17, The switching element PDN-SW of the packet data communication system IN is an Internet service provider ISP1, ISP2, and the network indication parameter NIP is a first field indicating an access server identity AS-Id. And a second field (NIP-2) indicating a NIP-1 and an Internet Service Provider Identity (ISP-Id). The method of claim 15 or 19, And said access means (DHCP-SERV) is said DHCP-server of said Internet service provider (ISP1, ISP2). In the telecommunication system (GPRS, GSM) providing packet data communication between the first and second terminal stations (TE, MT, GPRS-MS; PTE), At least one mobile wireless communications network (PLMN A, PLMN B) to which the first terminal station is connected; The second terminal station (PTE) comprises a plurality of packet data communication networks (PDN1, PDN2, IN) connected to one of the packet data communication networks (PDN1, PDN2, IN), The communication network connected to the switching element PLMN-SW, Network indication parameters NIP, PDP-type (<->) indicating a predetermined packet data communication network (PDN1, PDN2, IN) from the first terminal station (GPRS-MS) via the mobile wireless communication network (PLMN). Receiving means (NIP-RC) for receiving) A plurality of access means (GGSN / AS) each providing access to one of said connected packet data communication networks (PDN1, PDN2, IN), Selection means (SEL) for selecting an access means (GGSN / AS) according to the received network indication parameter (NIP), And control means (AC) for activating the selected access means (GGSN / AS) to access the switching elements (PDN-SW) of the indicated packet data communication networks (PDN1, PDN2, IN). Communication system. The method of claim 21, The switching device (PLMN-SW), Subscription memory means (HLR) for storing subscription parameters (SP) indicating subscription of the terminal stations (GPRS-MS, PTE) in the predetermined packet data communication networks (PDN1, PDN2, IN); And subscription checking means (SCM, SGSN) for comparing the subscription parameter (NAP) stored in the subscription memory means (HLR) with the received network indication parameter (SP), The control means (AC) activates the selected access means (AS) only if the received parameter (NIP) matches one of the parameters (SP) in the subscription memory means (HLR). . The method of claim 21, The first and second terminal stations through the switching device (PLMN-SW) of the mobile wireless telecommunication network (PLMN) and the switching device (PDN-SW) of the selected packet data communication network (PDN1, PDN2, IN). And a communication link setting means (TUN-LIN) for establishing a communication link (P1, P2, P3, IP-TUN) therebetween. The method of claim 23, wherein The first terminal station (GPRS-MS) comprises an identification means (ID) for transmitting an identification parameter (DHCP-id) to the switching means (PDN-SW) of the packet data communication network (ID), The communication link setting means TUN-LK includes an identification parameter (DHCP) in which verification means ID-VAL provided in the switching means PDN-SW of the packet data communication network IN is transmitted from the first terminal station. -id) and establish a communication link only when determining a match between one of a plurality of identification parameters (DHCP-id) stored in identification memory means (ID-MEM) provided in said switching means (PDN-SW). Telecommunication system. The method of claim 24, The communication link setting means is configured to access the switching element PLMN-SW of the mobile radio communication system PLMN and the access means DHCP-SERV of the switching element DHCP-SERV of the packet data communication system IN. And establish the communication link (IP-TUN) between the two terminal stations. The method of claim 21, The network identification parameter (NIP) indicates a data communication type (e-mail, DELTA). The method of claim 21, The mobile wireless communication system (PLMN) is a GSM-based wireless communication network, such as a D1 or D2 network including General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), and the packet data transmission system (PDN1, PDN2, IN) is a company intranet (PDN2). T), an X.25 network (PDN1), an Internet Basic Network (IN) and a Universal Packet Radio Service (GPRS) based network. The method of claim 21 or 22, The receiving means (NIP-RC) and the selecting means (SEL) are provided to a serving GPRS support node (SGSN) of a universal packet radio service (GPRS) system serving the first terminal station, and the access means (AS). Is a gateway GPRS support node (GGSN) connected to the serving GPRS support node (SGSN) and the selected packet data communication system (IN), wherein the selection means (SEL) is a gateway GPRS connected to the dedicated packet data communication system. Select the support node (GGSN), The subscription memory means (HLR) is a home location register (HLR) of the mobile wireless communication system, the subscription checking means (SCM, SGSN) are provided in the serving GPRS support node (SGSN) and the access means (AS). Is an access server (AS) provided within said gateway GPRS support node (GGSN). The method of claim 21 or 28, The switching element PDN-SW of the packet data communication system IN is an Internet service provider ISP1, ISP2, and the network indication parameter NIP is a first field indicating an access server identity AS-Id. And a second field (NIP-2) indicating a NIP-1 and an Internet Service Provider Identity (ISP-Id). The method of claim 25 or 27, And said access means (DHCP-SERV) is said DHCP-server of said Internet service provider (ISP1, ISP2). In a terminal station (GPRS-MS) of a mobile wireless telecommunication network (PLMN) for packet data communication to a predetermined terminal station (PTE) of a packet data communication network (PDN1, PDN2, IN), Network indication parameter memory means (NIP) for storing a plurality of network indication parameters (NIP) respectively corresponding to a packet data communication network connected to the mobile wireless telecommunications network via switching elements GSN, SGSN, GGSN, PLMN-SW -MEM), Selection means (SEL) for selecting a network indication parameter (NIP) from the memory means (NIP-MEM) indicating the packet data communication network in which the terminal station can transmit and receive packet data; Network requesting means for transmitting the selected network indication parameter (NIP) to the switching element (GSN, SGSN, GGSN, PLMN-SW) and requesting access to a packet data communication system indicated by the network indication parameter (NIP). (NRM, S1, characterized in that the terminal station. The method of claim 31, wherein The network requesting means (NRM) responds to the packet data communication network (PDN1) in response to receiving an acknowledgment from the switching element (PLMN-SW) in which the terminal station has access to the preferred packet data communication system. And a connection setting procedure (S1-S4) is executed to set communication paths (IP-TUN, P1, P2, P3) for PDN2, IN. The method of claim 31 or 32, An identification means (ID) for transmitting an identification parameter (DHCP-id) to said switching element (PLMN-SW). The method of claim 31, wherein The transmitted network identification parameter (NIP) indicates a data communication type (e-mail, DELTA). The method of claim 31, wherein The mobile radio communication system (PLMN) is a GSM-based radio communication system network such as a D1 or D2 network, and the packet data communication networks (PDN1, PDN2, IN) are company intranets (PDN2) and X.25 networks (PDN1). And an Internet Protocol Basic Network (IN) and a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) based network. The method of claim 31 or 35, The network indication parameter (NIP) is a PDP-type parameter, and the network requesting means (NRM) is a PDP context activation procedure (S11, S12, S11 ', S31, S31', S31 '', S31 '' ', S41, S41 '; S1, S2, S3', S3 &quot;, S4, when the GPRS system is executed, transmits the parameter to the switching element (PLMN-SW). The method of claim 31 or 35, The switching element PDN-SW of the packet data communication system IN is an Internet service provider ISP1, ISP2, and the network indication parameter NIP is a first field indicating an access server identity AS-Id. And a second field (NIP-2) indicating a (NIP-1) and an Internet service provider identity (ISP-Id). The method of claim 11 or 17, The network indication parameter (NIP) is a PDP context activation procedure (S11, S12, S11 ', S31, S31', S31 '', S31 '' ', S41, S41'; S1, S2, S3 ', S3' ', Switching element characterized in that it is a PDP-type parameter transmitted to said switching element (PLMN-SW) of said mobile radio communications network (PLMN) when S4) is performed in said GPRS system. The method of claim 21 or 27, The network indication parameter (NIP) is a PDP context activation procedure (S11, S12, S11 ', S31, S31', S31 '', S31 '' ', S41, S41'; S1, S2, S3 ', S3' ', And S4) is a PDP-type parameter transmitted to said switching element (PLMN-SW) of said mobile radio communications network (PLMN) when performed in said GPRS system.